Netflix fans gripped by crime thriller dubbed 'the best in a very long time' as it rockets up charts with 'phenomenal acting and raw emotion'
Currently holding the number one spot on the streaming platform is the limited series Untamed, starring Eric Bana.
The murder mystery is gruesome and exciting, drawing watchers in with its captivating premise.
But quickly climbing the charts is rival show To Kill A Monkey - a tense thriller hailed by watchers as gripping, impactful and technically excellent.
Netflix has already released all eight episodes of the Nollywood drama, which has garnered global acclaim since its release earlier this month.
The plot follows a young man who is coaxed into the 'alluring world of cybercrime, where every decision he makes draws him deeper into a moral minefield.'
Our protagonist, Efe, is a struggling father who must make compromising decisions to keep afloat.
His life quickly spirals into chaos when he finds himself involved in a cyber conspiracy, attempting to outrun 'the fallout of his choices'.
The show by Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba stars Stella Damascus and William Benson, and has jumped sporadically in and out of the Netflix top ten most-watched shows in recent days.
The story of betrayal, emotion and pivoting plot points has been lauded by fans.
One reviewer wrote online: 'I think this is the best Nigerian series I have seen in a very long time.
'There are more than 1001 lessons to learn from this eight-episode packed series. At some point, you will wish the series will never end.'
Another gushing watcher agreed, saying: 'This show is one of the best I have watched for a very long time.
'There were zero dull moments from the beginning to the end. The actors perfected the script and I wish we would have more of such TV series that are loaded with life lessons.
'Kemi Adetiba is a century filmmaker and television director. Not a dull moment with her production.'
One called the show 'the best limited series Africa has ever produced,' while another praised the slickness of 'authentic, well written and well executed' production.
Aside from the merits of the series itself, viewers pointed to the grabbing title and imagery, having been drawn in from the start.
One said: 'The title of this series caught my eye. I decided to watch a little of the first episode to see how it was. I am completely hooked!
'From the first scene, the acting and story line is riveting! I binged all the episodes in two days. I highly recommend this show to anyone.
'It's very authentic, great characters - a look into a world and culture totally different from mine and so fascinating...a must watch!'
And commenters noted how gripping the series was, prompting watchers to turn to the next episode.
'Surprisingly good!' said one, before adding: 'Keeps you on the edge of your seat.'
The actress playing Idia in the show, Lilian Afegabi, opened up about how important the role had been to her.
She wrote on social media: 'Playing Idia was more than just a role. It was a journey of becoming one with a character whose strength, vulnerability and spirit I poured my soul into.
Adoring fans of the newly-released thriller sang its praises online, lauding the direction, acting and storyline
'I gave everything to bring her to life and seeing your kind words, messages and encouragement means the world to me and makes it all worth it.'
This summer has seen Netflix produce a range of hard-hitting dramas that have been vying for the few top spots, as well as introducing new installments of already-loved shows.
The streaming service has revealed the future of Wednesday beyond the upcoming series two.
The American supernatural comedy series, which began in 2022, follows Jenna Ortega, 22, as the spooky Wednesday Addams.
It is one in a series of takes over the years on The Addams Family, the eccentric fictional old-money clan, famously macabre and gothic in manner and look.
The second series of the Emmy-winning programme, executive produced and often directed by horror icon Tim Burton, 66, is set for release in August.
And now, it has been announced that not only will Wednesday definitely be back for a third series, a spin-off programme is currently under discussion, according to Hollywood Reporter.
Fans were absolutely delighted to hear the fate of the beloved show has been secured, taking to social media to express their excitement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
36 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Under the Bridge review – this true-crime drama just doesn't feel right
Occasionally, mean girls turn murderous – very occasionally, though, this rarity offers no comfort to the victims' devastated families. Such was the case in 1997, in Saanich, British Columbia, when 14-year-old Reena Virk was beaten by six teenage girls and killed by another and a teenage boy. Under the Bridge is an eight-part dramatised version of this true story, based on the 2005 non-fiction book about it by journalist Rebecca Godfrey, (played here by Daisy Jones and the Six's Riley Keough, showcasing her flinty strengths). Reena (a fine performance by Vritika Gupta, comprising all the overconfidence and insecurities that make adolescents so vulnerable even when they have no other aggravating circumstances to contend with) is a troubled teen. She is banished to all sorts of peripheries by her race (her father Manjit, played by Ezra Faroque Khan, is an immigrant from India, her mother Suman, played by Archie Panjabi, Indo-Canadian) and her religion (Suman is Jehovah's Witness among a primarily Sikh community within an overwhelmingly white area). So the allure of the tight-knit gang of girls from the local group home is strong. The gang is led by Jo (a fantastically chilling, dead-eyed Chloe Guidry) and her second in command Kelly (Izzy G), who are fascinated by the mafia generally and John Gotti in particular. For those of you who have never been a teenage girl, this is not as odd as it sounds. Loyalty is everything. When Reena, in revenge for not being allowed to go to a party, steals Jo's address book and rings round her contacts spreading gossip and seeding rumours about her, her fate – did she but know it – is sealed. She is invited to the party after all, and never comes home. Her family suffer the police indifference to her disappearance for days. Reena may not quite be one of the 'Bic girls' – the nickname Jo tells her the police have for those in foster care 'because we're disposable' – but she is close enough. Only policewoman Cam, another outsider – an Indigenous woman adopted as a child by a white family who are depicted as casually racist without compunction – eventually takes the time to look for the missing girl. She hears talk of a fight near the town's bridge, jangles a few weak links in the local teens' interconnected mass of loyalties, takes a look at CCTV and timelines, then gradually begins to piece together the awful truth. So, too, is Godfrey slowly forced, as her bond with Jo grows and her investigation deepens, towards belief in an almost incredible truth. She tries desperately to understand, to find the humanity in the actions of those who beat Reena so horribly and those who then drowned her, not least to try to absolve herself of her own past misdeeds. But it is something vanishingly rare, this degree of violence from girls against one of their number, and Under the Bridge can only ask whether there are some things beyond understanding and beyond forgiveness. Over the eight episodes, Under the Bridge covers its ground meticulously. It is carefully even-handed, non-exploitative (it does not linger on the violence, or depict much of it visually) and relentlessly sober. Racism and classism are all examined as contributory factors as is the emotional deprivation suffered by those in care. The simple chaos of the overwrought teenage years, and the influences that will rush in to fill the voids are given their moments in the sun. There is no winning, of course, with the telling of any story based round this kind of horror. The above approach is a noble and worthy effort by all involved. But noble and worthy does not, alas, scintillating television make. The two episodes available for review fairly crawl by, with no sign that things are due to pick up thereafter, thanks to a fairly blunt script ('The devil is working inside Josephine Bell … They have nothing. Reena has everything. They want to destroy it,' says Reena's uncle, putting him apparently also several dozen steps ahead of the police at this point.) Keough is always worth watching but she has little to get her teeth into here and Godfrey's quick, apparently thoughtless enmeshing with the gang does not ring true. Several badly demarcated flashbacks to different points in the history do not help either. Were the girls suffering mental health problems? Were they immoral? Or just at that particular time, in that particular formation and gathered around that particular poor, misfortunate child, dangerous to know? I'm not sure whether six more industrious episodes will get us any closer to finding out. Under the Bridge aired on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.
BreakingNews.ie
5 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Top Boy actor Micheal Ward charged with rape and sexual assault
Actor Micheal Ward has been charged with rape and sexual assault in England. The 27-year-old, who has starred in Blue Story and Top Boy, is accused of offences against one woman in January 2023, the Metropolitan Police said. Advertisement The force said he is charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Ward, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, will appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on August 28, the Crown Prosecution Service said. Following the charges, Detective Superintendent Scott Ware said: 'Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward – we know investigations of this nature can have significant impact on those who make reports.' The Jamaican-born actor was awarded the Bafta Rising Star honour in 2020 and was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Bafta for his role in BBC's Small Axe in 2021 and the 2022 film Empire Of Light. Advertisement
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Netflix fans stunned by 'sensational' TV adaptation of beloved crime novels - praising 'tremendous twists and turns'
Netflix fans have been left stunned by a 'sensational' TV adaptation of a set of beloved crime novels, praising its 'tremendous twists and turns'. Rebus, based on the book series of the same name by Ian Rankin, has taken the streamer by storm since it was made available on the platform in May. The Scottish crime programme, which premiered on BBC One in May last year, follows Outlander's Richard Rankin as a reimagined younger version of the titular detective. The six episodes see John Rebus pursue a prolific Edinburgh gangster across Scotland, while grappling with both workplace politics and a messy divorce at home. It follows a previous TV adaptation of the Rebus books which ran for four series from 2000 to 2007, starring John Hannah as the lead, then later Ken Stott. The reboot is currently in Netflix's list of its top ten most-watched programmes - and viewers and critics alike have praised it online. The Scottish crime programme (pictured), which premiered on BBC One in May last year, follows Outlander's Richard Rankin as a reimagined younger version of the titular detective Fans wrote: 'Loved both previous Rebus series. This is a very, very good incarnation. Tremendous twist at the end. Very well put together', 'A very good watch, love the twists and turns. Can't wait for series two, series one was so good, don't want it to end', 'Absolutely incredible first series, hope they do series two and more', 'Cast were fantastic, storyline gripping, ended with so many possibilities for a second series', 'Just binge watched the first six episodes of Rebus, sensational series, loved the first season, hope there's a second one coming', 'I have not watched the previous adaptation nor read the books. But this is well worth your time, also for bingeing in one sitting.' Any fans unaware of more recent developments will be delighted to hear the show has in fact now been recommissioned for a second series. It comes after the first episode of the programme pulled in a whopping 6.3million viewers. Any fans unaware of more recent developments will be delighted to hear the show has in fact now been recommissioned for a second series BBC Scotland's head of commissioning Louise Thornton said: 'We were blown away with the audience response to the new-look Rebus first time round so bringing it back for a second series was always a priority. 'The combination of brilliant storytelling, powerful performances and top-class production values will make this new series must-see television. 'This commission is part of our recently announced strategy to bring more high-impact scripted content from Scotland, and we're confident audiences will enjoy this next series as much as they did the first.' The programme's star Richard had previously been hopefully a series two was incoming when speaking to the BBC. He said: 'I hope people take out of it what we put in. The entire ensemble of cast and crew are immensely talented individuals who all brought their A-game to the series. 'I think that really shows. I hope audiences will develop an appetite for more so that we can bring another series their way further down the line. 'I really hope that people will fall in love with Rebus in the same way that we have.'
